How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer Read Online Free Page B

meant to say.”
    â€œSo are you both in the same cabin?” Nathan asked.
    â€œYep—along with Diva,” Pogo said.
    â€œWho?” said Sebastian.
    â€œNever mind,” I said.
    Nathan sat down and gestured to the chair next to him. He’s cool like that. He doesn’t mind being friends with a girl and doesn’t act weird about sitting next to one—even one that has a teeny-tiny, secret crush on him. “So what do you think of camp so far?” he asked. His blond hair fell over his adorable eyes. He brushed it back.
    â€œWell, let’s see.” I ticked the items off on my fingers. “There’s a spider in the bathroom—or at least there was. I’m not really sure where it is now. Hopefully dead in a corner. Our camp director needs to switch to decaf, and a crazy goat attacked me. Oh…and we’re here sitting at table number seven.”
    â€œOkay, you lost me at the goat and the number seven.”
    I opened my mouth to explain when Director Mudwimple clambered onto a small stage near the front of the mess hall. A humongous man sporting a baseball cap, armpit stains, and a whistle stood next to her. He looked like the Incredible Hulk—minus the weird green color and torn clothes. Director Mudwimple nodded to him and he blew his whistle, sending bits of spit cascading down on campers near him. Sitting near the back wasn’t such a bad deal after all.
    â€œGood afternoon, campers!” the director bellowed. “I have a couple quick announcements and then the instructors are going to introduce themselves. After that, we’ll be off on a fun-filled tour of the campground. Sadly, I won’t be joining you, as there’s a minor issue involving one of our dear animals.”
    I was pretty sure the “minor issue” involved something with four legs, bad breath, and horns.
    She sighed and took a deep breath. “Our goal at Camp Minnehaha is for everyone to have fun and be safe. In order for that to happen, we use a demerit system. If you choose not to follow our rules or show respect to others, you will be given a demerit. After five demerits, you’re sent home.”
    Apparently, Mrs. Claus had a strict side to her. I had no worries about getting demerits—those were for troublemakers, not me.
    She rattled on, hoped we’d all read all the rules in the welcome folders we were given at registration. Reminded us to pick our electives carefully. Encouraged us to enjoy the lovely trails but to always remember trail safety, blah, blah, blah. And then she was done. “Enjoy your tour. I leave you in good hands.” She picked up a small halter and what looked like a leash and waddled away.
    The Incredible Hulk spoke next. “My name’s Coach Fox. I’m the sports instructor.”
    Duh.
    A pretty lady with dark hair trapped under a hairnet and cheeks smudged with flour stepped onto the stage next. Coach Fox handed her a microphone. She smiled and put it to her mouth. “ Bonjour. My name is Ms. Jacqueline. I am looking forward to working with each of you and introducing you to zee fine art of cake decorating.” She paused. “Those who choose zis elective will prepare all zee desserts for a grand finale banquet for parents and campers on zee last day. It will be fantastique !”
    â€œ Vive la France ! ” someone yelled.
    Ms. Jacqueline laughed and gave a wave with the mic before handing it off to the next instructor. Her laugh reminded me of twinkling lights—dainty and clear.
    A man, who was wearing jeans, a pale-blue T-shirt, and a stethoscope around his neck, helped Ms. Jacqueline down with one hand and took the mic with the other. Then he gave her a wink.
    I nudged Pogo and whispered, “Did you see that? He just winked at her. And he held on to her hand a little too long for someone just taking a microphone. I bet he has a crush.”
    â€œHe’s too old to have a crush.”
    I